Armored insulator



April 1960 R. M. WILSON 2,931,853

ARMORED INSULATOR Filed Nov. 13, 1956 2 Sheets-Sheet l (75 7: BY I a g ATTORNEY A ril 5, 1960 R. M. WILSON 2,

ARMORED INSULATOR Filed Nov. 13, 195k 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 VIA.

n INVENTOR 5 BY CE QQM ATTORNEY United States Patent ARMOREDI INSULATOR Robert M. Wilson, BattleCreek,.Mich assignor. to Date Products, Incorporated, Battle Creek, Mich, a corporation of Michigan Application November 13, 1956, :Serial No. 621,673

4 Claims. (.Cl. 174-.-1 .0)

"This invention relates'broadlyto electrically insulated equipment, and more specificallyto a new and improved armored device designed primarily for mounting electric fence wires on posts or stakes although it could wellbe employed for mounting other. conductors,for example to mount aerial lead-in wires or telephone wires on walls of V of this type and cause grounding. Then, too, when pliers or other tools are used to turn, insulators of that typeto .a suitable position for use and in which position'the wire may be locked within same, there is danger of injury to the insulation.

It was a recognitionof these problems and difficulties, and the lack of a simple, low-cost insulator meeting such requirements which led to the conception and develop ment of the present invention.

Accordingly among the objects of the present invention is the provision of a new and improved article which will effectively overcome the difliculties abovementioned.

In carrying out the above end, a further object has been to insulate a C-shaped portion-of a metal anchor member and to mount a protective metal grommet in this insulated C-shaped portion to receive the fence wire. Thus, the barbs of the wire can contact only with the metal grommet and the insulationis shielded bysame against being injured by said barbs.

A further object has been to provide the grommet with side flanges lying against opposite sides of the insulated C-shaped portion of the anchor member and extending outwardly a sufficient distance to not only effectively shield the insulation but to provide ample metal tobe engaged by pliers or the like if used to hold or turn said anchor member or even to shift said grommet to a position in which the wire is locked-against movement from said grommet.

Another object has been to provide the grommet with a novel entrance throat through which the wirecould be inserted only in an angled position and from which there would be no likelihood of the wire passingoutwardly through said throat when stretched tight. It is thus not essential to turn the grommet to a wire-lockingin position although some users will probably doso as an extra precaution against wire release should slack develop.

Yet another object'has been to provide a novelgrommet construction which could 'be readily stamped from sheet metal and provided "with a handle'portion useable 2,931,853 Z'Patented Apr- 9 if desired to turn the grommet to'wire-locking-in position.

,Still another object has been'toprovide-a novel and 'easilypracticed method'of providing the necessary insu- .lation-by simply dipping of a portion of the metal-anchor member in a fluid, plastic, di-electric substance and'then withdrawing it to allow the coating to set before mounting the insulation protecting grommet thereon.

Still further objects and advantages ofthe invention will appear as thedescription proceeds.

'To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, the invention, thenyconsists of the methods and -means hereinafter fully described and particularly pointed out in the claims, the annexed drawings andthe following description setting forth in detail certain means and modesof carrying-out the inve ntionysuch disclosed means and modes illustrating, however, but several ofthe various ways in which-the principle of the invention may be used.

In the annexed drawings:

Figure l of the accompanying drawings is a side elevation partly broken 'away and in section, showing one form ofthe invention mounted on an angle-metal post or stake.

Figures 2 and 3 are similar views showing two different ways of mounting the invention on a rod-like post or stake.

Figures 4 and'S are enlarged sectional views taken on lines 44 and 55 of Figure 3, respectively, looking in the direction of' the arrows.

Figure 6 is an enlarged elevation "of the sheet-metal .stampingfrom which the grommet of the preceding figures is formed.

Figure 7 is a side elevation, partly in section-showing a difierentform of anchor member, the grommetbeing omitted.

Figure 8 isa side elevation, partly in section, showing the invention with another form of grommet.

Figure 9 is an enlarged sectional view taken on line 99 of Figure 8, looking in the direction of the arrows.

i ure 10 is a side elevationshowing another form of anchor member.

Figure 11 is a side elevation, partly insection, showing the anchor member ofFigure 10 insulated and associated with a grommet.

Figure 12 is a side elevation showing a still further form of anchoring member.

Figure 13 is an end view of Figure 12.

Figure 14 is a side elevation, partly in section, showing the anchor member of Figure 12 insulated and associated with a grommet.

Figure 15 is a side elevation, partly in section, showing a ferrule from which to ,form a grommet.

Figure 16 is an end "iew .of the ferrule shown in Figure 15.

The forms of construction shown in the drawings will now be rather specifically described, but attention is invited to the possibility of making variations within the spirit and scope of the invention asset forth.

In Figures 1 to 9 inclusive, a metal anchor member 2%! is shown having an integral C-shaped end portion 21, said member and portion being of substantially circular cross-section and being in the form of an eye bolt modified to the extent of having its eye circumferentially open for a short distance, sayfrom to /2" for electric fencing or like use. The shank of thiseye boltrnay be cylindrical and threaded at 22.for connection with a metal support, or it may be tapered, Figure'7, and threaded at 22 for drivinginto a wooden support. At the innerend of the thread, in either ,case,.a stop is "preferably, pro vided on the shank, and this stopmay beformedinany conventional manner, such as by means of an ordinary -'20, is provided with an insulating coating 25 and this coating may be yieldable and also may extend at Z6 to the stop 23 and even totally or partially around said stop as seen at 27, if desired. A simple way of applying the coating 25 is by immersing the anchor member 20 to the desired extent in a suitable fluid, plastic di-electric substance and then withdrawing it to allow the coating to set. The coating substance may be either a thermoplastic, or may be a substance kept in fluid form by a solvent until such solvent is allowed to evaporate.

In Figure I, the anchor member 20 is shown mounted on an angle-metal post 28 with the stop 23 at one side of the post flange 29, and a nut 30 at the other side of said flange for tightening same in place.

In Figure 2, the anchor member 20 is threaded through a U-shaped metal clamp member 31 having openings 32 in its arms to receive a rod-type metal post or stake 33. After positioning the clamp member 31, the anchor member 29 is threaded further through said clamp member until its end abuts the post or stake 33 and acts as a set screw to secure said clamp member in place.

In Figure 3, the anchor member 20 is secured in any conventional manner, such as by a nut 34, to a spring metal clamp member 35, said member 35 having widely diverging arms 36 formed with openings 37 to receive a rod-type post or stake 38. When the arms 36 are sprung toward each other, the clamp member 35 may be slid onto and along the post or stake 38; and when said arms 36 are released, the clamp member 35 anti-slippingly grips said post or stake 38, thus permitting it to be held in desired position.

Figures 1, 2 and 3 are illustrative of three of many ways in which one form of the anchor member 2% may be mounted on a metal support; and if a wooden post or stake, or other wooden element is to be employed as a support, the tapered threaded construction of Figure 7, or other constructions later described, may be used.

The insulated C-shaped portion 21 of the anchor member 20 snugly surrounds a metal grommet, fitting into the hollow outward opening groove thereof, and having a conductor-entrance throat. A number of different forms of this grommet are shown and reference will first be made to the construction shown in Figures 1 to 6. In Figures 1 to of these views, the grommet is generally identified by the reference number 39, while in Figure 6, a stamping 40 is shown from which said grommet 39 is formed.

The grommet 39 is formed from two cupped halves 41 joined by a neck 42, the bottoms 43 of the cups being preferably spot-welded together at 44, Figure 2, and being centrally apertured at 45. The cup side walls are transversely curved to provide the grommet 39 with an inner peripheral portion 39 (to engage the inner periphery of the insulation coated C-shaped portion 21 of the anchor member 20) and with side flanges 46 (to lie against opposite sides of said insulation coated C-shaped portion 21). These side flanges are preferably of sufficient width to extend outwardly at least to and preferably somewhat beyond any line L-L, Figure 4, which is diametrical to the cross-sectional area of the C-shaped portion 21 and parallel with the axis of this portion 21. This well protects the coating 25 against chafing and wear, particularly when the invention is employed to support a barbed-wire electric fence in which a barb may directly contact with one side flange 46 or with the other.

The two cupped grommet halves 41 are formed with conductor-entrance throats 47 which extend from the central apertures 45 through the outer edges of the side flanges 46, each of these throats, if desired, may be gradually narrowed toward its outer end. The two throats 47 are offset circumferentially of the grommet,

necessitating that the conductor must be angled for insertion into the grommet through said throats, and insuring that said conductor cannot pass outwardly through said throats when stretched tightly.

When the two grommet halves 41 are being brought into assembled relation, the neck 42 is bent into U-form as seen more particularly in Figure 5. This neck then forms a handle which locates the throats 47 relative to each other, and also by means of which the grommet 39 may be turned, if desired, from its normal conductor-receiving position with the entrance throat between the ends of the C-shaped portion 21, to a position in which said throat is so circumferentially spaced from said ends that the conductor will be positively locked in the grommet.

With the modified anchor member construction shown in Figure 7, the grommet 39 may be employed, or any other suitable grommet may be used, for example any of the grommets hereinafter described.

In Figures 8 and 9, two cupped grommet halves 41a, very similar to the halves 41 of the grommet 39, are secured together by providing a central tubular neck 48 on one of said halves, forming a central opening 49 in the other of said halves, passing said neck through said opening, and flanging said neck as shown at 50. The entrance throats 47a may be identical with the throats 47 or of other desired form. These throats may remain where shown or the grommet may be turned to lock the conductor in place.

In Figure 10, a nail-type anchor member 29a is shown for use in anchoring to wood, said anchor member having a welded-on C-shaped member 21a and a stop 23a. At least the C-shaped portion 21a, Figure 11, is coated at 25a in the same manner as the portion 21 of the anchor member 20, above described. The immersion of the anchor member in the coating substance inevitably coats the head 51 of the member 20a, and the coating may extend along this member 20a to any desired extent. If desired, the coating on the head 51 may be removed before complete setting of the plastic to avoid any ragged appearance which might be caused by mashing of the coating during subsequent driving of the nail-type anchor member 20a.

Within the coated member 21a, Figure 11, a simple one-piece grommet 39a has been shown, said grommet having an entrance throat 47b.

In Figures 12 to 14 inclusive, the C-shaped portion 21b is integral with a stamped-metal nail-like anchor member 20b, at least 21b and preferably portions of 20b being coated at 25b, Figure 14, with insulation, as above described. A simple grommet 39b having an entrance throat 47c is held by the C-shaped portion 21b.

The grommet 39a and the grommet 3%, may be initially shaped as a ferrule 49d, as shown in Figures 15 and 16, then inserted and flared, and finally cut out to form the throat 47!) or 47c, or the ferrule 49d may be initially shaped with an aperture to form the throat.

From the foregoing it will be seen that I have provided a novel and advantageous insulated and armored anchor for mounting various kinds of conductors on posts or stakes, or upon buildings or other supports. While preferences have been disclosed, attention is again invited to the possibility of making variations within the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed. Moreover, it is to be understood that any form of the armoring grommet may be used with any form of the insulated anchor member. It will be further seen that I have provided a novel and advantageous method for providing the anchor member with an insulating coating regardless of the exact form of such anchoring member.

Other modes of applying the principle of my invention may be employed instead of those explained, change being made as regards the means and methods herein disclosed, provided those stated by any of the following claims or their equivalents be employed.

I therefore particularly point out and distinctly claim as my invention:

1. An armored insulator comprising a metal anchor member including a shank portion having a C-shaped portion rigidly connected therewith, an insulating covering surrounding and formed in situ on said C-shaped portion, and a sheet metal grommet having an open center, said grommet being embraced by said covered slaped portion, said metal grommet having a peripheral portion engaging the inner periphery of said covered 0- shaped portion, said metal grommet also having side flanges integral with said inner peripheral portion and engaging opposite sides of said covered C-shaped portion to armor and protect same, said metal grommet having a conductor entrance throat extending through said side flanges and into said inner peripheral portion, the portion of said throat which extends through one of said side flanges being offset circumferentially of the grommet from the throat portion which extends through the other of said side flanges.

2. An armored insulator comprising a metal anchor member including a shank portion with a stop member aflixed thereto and having a C-shaped portion rigidly con-.

nected therewith, an insulating covering surrounding and formed in situ on said C-shaped portion, and a sheet metal grommet having an open center, said grommet being embraced by said covered C-shaped portion, said metal grommet having a peripheral portion engaging the inner periphery of said covered C-shaped portion, said metal grommet also having side flanges integral with said inner peripheral portion and engaging opposite sides of said covered c-shaped portion to armor and protect same, said metal grommet having a conductor entrance throat extending through said side flanges and into said inner peripheral portion, the portion of said throat which extends through one of said side flanges being offset circumferentially of the grommet from the throat portion which extends through the other of said side flanges.

3. A structure as specified in claim 1; said grommet being formed from two cupped halves secured together, and a V-shaped neck integrally connecting the outer edges of said halves and comprising a handle for rotating said grommet.

4. A structure as specified in claim 1; said grommet being formed from a pair of disk elements, one of said disk elements including an axial neck extending axially and clampingly engaging the other disk element.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No., 2,931,853

April 5, 1960 Robert M. Wilson orr'ec'tion and that the said Letters Patent should read as corrected below.

Column 1, line 25, for "bards" for "member" read members read barbs column 4, read 39b line 28, line 49, for "301)" Signed and sealed this 13th day of September 1960.

(SEAL) Attest:

KARL H. AXLINE ROBERT C. WATSON Attesting Officer Commissioner of Patents UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No.3 2,931,853 April 5, 1960 Robert M. Wilson It is hereby certified that error appears in the-printed specification of the above numbered patent requiring correction and that the said Letters Patent should read as corrected below.

Column 1, line 25, for "bards" read barbs line'28, for "member" read members column 4 line 419 for "30b" read 39b v Signed and sealed this 13th day of September 1960.

( S EAL) Attest:

KARL H. AXLINE I ROBERT CLWATSON Attesting Officer Commissioner of Patents 

